Customer Reviews

The 10 Most Important Things You Can Say to a Mormon

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(44)

 

 

I've studied Mormonism as well as a number of other American Christian sects (Jehovah's Witnesses, churches of Christ, Seventh-Day Adventists, etc.) and this book is simply an anti-Mormon book sure to convince only certain stripes of evangelicals and Pentecostals.

First, any book designed solely to tear down someone else's religion -- the most intimate part of a person's being -- is morally reprehensible and, in this case, proceeds from the assumption that to let someone remain LDS is to let them be consigned to an everlasting hell or some other horrendous fate (you're actually doing them a favor, you see). So nail the Mormon's religion to the wall; destroy his faith and shake his innermost belief in everything he's been taught. Then he might just adopt your religion (or become an athiest, but wait! There's a "10-Most" book on that, too!).

I find works like this to be morally degrading and dispicable. American religions are as valid as anyone else's and virtually any scholar with even rudimentary knowledge of theology and history could similarly do to Christianity what Rhodes does to Mormonism. (Other books in this handy little series go after Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholics and other religions with nary a good word for any -- and stay tuned for one on Jews, for they won't see heaven, either, unless they see Rhodes' light).

Buy this book to bolster your own faith, if you must, but if you seek to destroy someone else's, make sure you're willing to accept the moral and ethical consequences. I like Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists and, indeed, people of all faiths; I'm less inclined, however, towards those who are willing to throw everyone else into the fiery pit.

One star, not very well deserved.

I have read much of what Ron Rhodes has produced on the topic of The Church of jesus christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormon Church"), such as his 1995 book, co-authored with Marian Bodine, entitled "Reasoning from the scriptures with the Mormons." Rhodes, and many of his co-religionists, rely too much on out-dated anti-Mormon criticisms. Time will not allow me to deal with all the mistakes in this text, but I will deal with one specific issue that reveals that Rhodes did not bother to even read the Book of Mormon prior to writing this text.

In an attempt to show that the Book of Mormon contradicts Mormon theology, Rhodes claims that the Book of Mormon's use of the phrase, "Great Spirit" to describe God is in conflict with D&C 130, where God is said to be anthropormorphic and embodied. Notwithstanding, the use of the phrase, "Great Spirit" in Alma 18 and other areas was Ammon's way of communicating the concept of God to someone who knew of Deity under the title of "Great Spirit." In addition, in alma 18:2-3, the people mistook Ammon for the "Great Spirit" notwithstanding the fact that he was plainly corporeal! This blows Rhodes'out of the water!

Furthermore, Rhodes also claims that Alma 31:15, where God is said to be only a spirit and will remain a spirit for all eternity contradicts Mormon theology. However, this serve to show he has not read the Book of Mormon volume. Had he actually done so, he would have realised that Alma 31 is part of a prayer by a group of apostates, the Zoramites, whose prayer is condemned as anathema in Alma 32 and elsewhere.

This book is not for knowledgable Mormons, but those who know next to nothing about "Mormonism."

I welcome sincere feedback at Robert.S.Boylan@nuim.ie

The book is in its foundation antagonistic, rather than an attempt to understand Mormon doctrine. I was looking for a book to educate me, not equip me with the best vitrialic one-liners to retain in case I get in an argument with a Mormon. I'm still looking for a book that is not biased one way or another. I suppose I'll just have to suck it up and read the Book of Mormon itself.

In 15 years of discussions with missionaries and members prior to my decision to change my life to fit God's plan rather than change his plan to fit my lifestyle I never once had a single discussion bashing any religion. NONE of the people I spoke to ever tried to convince me to consider my own views wrong or evil. ALL of them told me of their conviction, experiences, and belief of the gospel. The primary suggestion I received from them was to read the scriptures and to pray for guidance with complete sincerity.
Nobody can buy their way in with money, works, or any other means. However, what we do is certainly an indicator of the intent of our hearts, and the more consistently we work to follow the example of the savior in loving and caring for our fellow man and doing what we can to help others, the closer to God we will grow. If we strive to be Christlike, and 'feed his sheep' then AFTER ALL THAT WE CAN DO, will his grace and mercy be extended to us. Our own effort is critical to this equasion. Search, Ponder, and Pray.
If you desire to know more ask a missionary or active member. In the meantime consider these facts.
No paid clergy, this is an all volunteer organization.
All those young men on bikes and walking the streets of the world are being supported by themselves or their families.
No coercion or demands, just suggestions to follow the Gospel according to the dictates of your own conscience (See Articles Of Faith)
Tremendous humanitarian aid programs with 100% of donations used for intended purpose (all volunteer administration)
My life is much better now than ever before as a direct result of my decision to follow the true Gospel rather than to find a church willing to bend to my selfish desires or to invent my own religion of convience.

Any book that proposes to tear down something inorder to promote itself must be suspect. I cannot recommend this book on the grounds that its only porpose is to confuse and misstate the beliefs of people the author obviously has a sour disposition towards. Fear, ignorance, and mistrust are the apparent virtues of this work rather than love for one another and a desire to uplift those we come into contact with.

This book surely touches hot buttons for those who are convinced they know Latter-Day Saint doctrine and what it means to their eternal salvation. This book is intended as a work of Anti-Mormon literature. My father taught me that there are basically three kinds of people in the world: Those who don't care about other people, Those who try to make themselves look better by making others look good, and lastly, those who try to make themselves look better by making others look bad. This book has led me to believe that Ron Rhodes is one of the latter.

It is interesting to see how someone who is so ingrained in being right can miss the opportunity to simply let the "truth" stand for itself. Instead of offering small tidbits of half truths, mingled with vindictive interpretations of those half truths, it seems that it would be better to offer full disclosure and let people decide for themselves; between God and each one individually.

What is insulting in this book is the premise that people are really quite ignorant and unable to reach logical, spiritual, and emotional conclusions on their own without all the rhetoric. Mr. Rhodes seems to have a need to tell us what we have just read and what it means to us and how it should relate to our relationships to Mormons. The very notion that I need an author to provide information, interpret the carefully selected "information" and then tell me what I should do about it, possibly at the peril of loosing or damaging otherwise good relationships is reprehensible.

Instead of building strong, trusting communities of "Fellow Citizens", Mr. Rhodes might do well to write a book entitled "The 10 Most Important Things You Can Say To Your Neighbor". Subtitled, "That Will Help Them Build Long Lasting Relationships". However since Ron's intentions seem to be to tear down instead of build up, he won't likely ever consider this topic.

Buy this book if you feel the need destroy someone else's faith. But make sure you're willing to accept the ramifications of damaged relationships. It seems that that God, no matter what you call his name, would never support a work that would dissuade people from coming closer to Christ. This book makes me feel sorry for Mr. Rhodes. Instead of building faith and belief in something, he seems to feel the need to serve as judge, jury and executioner by throwing Mormon's as well as other Christians who disagree with his earthly point of view; down to Hell!

While I welcome accurate criticism, this book falls far from the tree. If you are a Protestant or Catholic wanting to convert Mormons to your brand of Christianity, using this book will really make you look dumb. Anyone that has been to LDS Sunday school or skimmed the Standard Words (King James edition of the Holy Bible - Old & New Testaments, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) will think someone asking these questions is brain washed and you won't get anywhere with them. This book is clearly to keep Protestant flocks from looking too far outside their own world, not for getting LDS Christians to move away from their faith.

I am a member of the church. I thought I would read this to see what could be so horrible that someone had to write a book about asking member of the LDS faith questions. Couldn't this author ask someone themself?
Sharing the teachings of Christ with anyone is wonderful.
I am concerned about the untrue statements. That the church does not believe in the Bible. Every Sunday, since I was little girl, we have learned teachings from the bible. Old testament, New testament, we believe the scriptures to be true. The only reference to it being traslated correctly is that we prefer the King James Version and do not use others, such as Amplified or NIV. I have never heard anyone say the Bible is not true.
We also believe The Book of Mormon, Another Testament. It testifies of Jesus, who we do believe is our redeemer. I would not recommend this book. The author seems to be bias, and misinformed.
Note:my daughter typed this for me, thank you.

This is not filled with things to say to a Mormon to try to reassure them, console them, or make them feel better. This is anti-mormon literature that can only hurt them and make them feel bad. Use with caution.

Ok lets be honest. When you read a book like this its for what reason? To "bible bash" with the mormon neighbors. When doing so what kind of feelings do we feel? Anger, frusteration, contention. I'm pretty sure that those feelings do not come from God. So why would this book be something good to have if it will take us all further away from God? Just study about your own religion and if you do want to study about someone elses.... don't ask your local jew about the muslim. You will not find any answers. Ask the Muslim. Go to their church or ask a member. or even better.... ask God. James 1:5. But you better study up first. God will never answer us about something we do not know. Thats just stupid to think that he would. He is here to confirm to us the truths, through the spirit. NOT THE SPIRIT OF CONTENTION. We much do our part. With an open heart and a contrite spirit. The true spirit of Christionism isn't tearing down someones believe. We teach them true principles and let them govern themselves. Thats what Christ did. Hence us calling it Christionism. To force something is to take away agency and thats deffinatly the devils plan. It's alot simpler to ask or to study from a "reliable source" and not someones opinion. I promise the spirit of contention wont be there unless thats what you are looking for. As for the book. its one sided and i personally think its a waist of anyones time. You want an opinion go get your own.

I can't believe the total fear of truth and ignorance that is portrayed by this man. I have been searching for truth for most of my life now. From Catholocism to Evangelical Christanity and everything in-between. For a variety of very good reasons, I have chosen to accept the Latter-Day Saints as the true church of God. I know all the objections, but one clear message from Jesus' lips is what confirmed my decision. - "By Their Fruits will you know them". - No "christian" church I have ever attended has supported and uplifted their own members even close to how the LDS church does it. Do your research and you'll realize that each and every "ritual" of the church has a firm reason and purpose, and that it is all firmly grounded in worship and love of Christ. We are a "peculiar people", but then again that's what holy scripture said we would be, isn't it?